Lions lock up free agent DL Eric Taylor

Lions lock up free agent DL Eric Taylor

VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions opened the free agency season Wednesday by signing defensive lineman Eric Taylor to a three-year deal.

The 29-year-old import had 17 tackles and three sacks in 13 games with the Toronto Argonauts last season.

“Eric is a big, physical player who will add toughness and experience to a very good young defence,” Lions general manager Wally Buono said in a release. “He will definitely strengthen our defensive front and add flexibility to our scheme.”

The six-foot-two, 309-pounder began his CFL career in 2008 with the Edmonton Eskimos, appearing in 19 games over two seasons before being traded to Toronto.

“I’m excited to be joining the Lions,” said Taylor. “Playing alongside veterans Brent Johnson, Aaron Hunt and Keron Williams is an outstanding opportunity for me and I know I can help the club accomplish its ultimate goal of winning a championship.”